BMW R 1150 R versus KTM RC 390
BMW R 1150 R
Naked
KTM RC 390
Supersport
Year of construction / RRP / Test report
Built von 2005 bis 2006
Built von 2014 bis 2025~
RRP
RRP 6.899 €
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Competitors
Pros:
- easy and manoeuvrable to drive despite size and weight
- used relatively cheap
- is also suitable as a tourer
- wonderful boxer with sound
- sufficient power, powerful torque
Pros:
- wily curve speedster
- on top decent performance
- high-quality workmanship
- light and easy to master
Cons:
- vulnerable ABS system
- fiddly battery removal
Cons:
- little power at the bottom
- Rear shock absorber a bit too soft
- Gearbox cold a bit shaky
Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase: 1.487 mm
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg
Length : 2.170 mm Height : 1.220 mm
Seat : 800 mm
Weight : 238 (max: 450 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.340 mm
Seat : 824 mm
Weight : 164 kg
Seat : 824 mm
Weight : 164 kg
Engine
Motor design: Boxer 4-stroke 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 1.130 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Öl-Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 1-cylinder, 4-stroke engine 1 Cylinder
Displacement: 373 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 89 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Displacement: 373 ccm
Hub: 60 mm
Hole: 89 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kette
Aisles: 6
Performance
Maximum speed: 197 km/h
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km
Performance: 85 HP at 6.750 U/Min
Torque: 98 NM bei 5.250 U/Min Tank contents: 21 Litre
Consumption: 5 l
Reach: 446 km
Maximum speed: 172 km/h
Performance: 44 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 37 NM bei 7.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 3 l
Reach: 395 km
Performance: 44 HP at 9.000 U/Min
Torque: 37 NM bei 7.000 U/Min Tank contents: 14 Litre
Consumption: 3 l
Reach: 395 km
Chassis
Frame type:
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Three-part frame concept consisting of front and rear frame with supporting engine (steel) Front suspension:
BMW Motorrad Telelever; Standpipe diameter 35 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Central strut (travel 135 mm)
Rear suspension:
Aluminum cast single-arm swingarm with Paralever Tyres at the front: 120/70 ZR 17
Rear tyres: 170/60 ZR 17
Frame type:
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum) Front suspension:
WP USD 43 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Lattice tube (chromium-molybdenum) Front suspension:
WP USD 43 mm (travel 120 mm) Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 150 mm)
Rear suspension:
Two-arm swingarm
Brakes
Front brake
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)
Four-piston fixed caliper double disc brake (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Two-piston fixed caliper brake (∅ 276 mm)
Front brake
Single disc, Bybre 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 230 mm)
Single disc, Bybre 4-piston fixed caliper (∅ 320 mm) Rear brake
Disc, 1-piston floating caliper (∅ 230 mm)
Conclusion - what gets stuck
The BMW R 1150 R is a grateful bike that offers riders a confident and safe riding experience even with high mileage. There are many used machines of this type, most fortunately in uncrafted original condition. But old machines are not really cheap either: 1150s are hardly available in good condition under 4,000 euros. To answer the opening question: Yes, it is still worth buying a 15-year-old motorcycle today. At least if it is a BMW R 1150 R.
